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Canada/Québec Pension Plan Benefits
1
Notes
(1) This table summarizes the maximum monthly Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits (except
for the lump-sum death benefit) that are applicable for each of the years noted. The
rates and rules outlined herein may vary slightly under the terms of the Québec Pension
Plan (QPP) legislation. Payments are also made to individuals outside Canada provided
all eligibility conditions are met. All of the monthly benefit amounts are indexed to the
Consumer Price Index (CPI) and adjusted annually.
(2) Retirement benefits are monthly taxable benefits paid to individuals who have made at
least one contribution to the CPP or QPP. The contributory period commences at the age
of 18 and ends when the individual takes a retirement pension, reaches the age of 70, or
dies, whichever occurs first. The contributor has the option of drawing retirement benefits
as early as age 60 or as late as age 70. The benefit is based on how much, and for how
long, the individual has contributed to the CPP and/or QPP. The age at which an individual
chooses to retire also affects the benefit amount. Contributors must apply in order to
receive CPP/QPP benefits.
Married or common-law individuals may apply to receive an equal share of the total
retirement benefits earned by both individuals. Both partners must be at least 60 years old
and both must have applied for their respective benefits. The benefit can be shared even if
only one partner has contributed in the past.
Retirement benefits received by non-residents will be subject to a 25% withholding tax;
however, this rate may be reduced by a treaty.
More information on retirement benefits is available on the Government of Canada website
at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/cpp/retirement/canadapension.shtml.
(3) Canada’s Department of Finance changed the administration of the CPP in 2012. The
early penalty will increase to 0.6% per month (from 0.5% per month). This change will be
phased in over five years, beginning in 2012. By 2016, individuals that choose to take their
pension at age 60 will have their basic amount reduced by 36%.
For individuals that choose to continue to work after 65, the benefit rate will increase to
0.7% per month (from 0.5% per month). This increase is being implemented over three
years, starting in 2011. By 2013, individuals that choose to take their pension at age 70 will
have their basic amount increased by 42%.
Previously, individuals that received CPP benefits and returned to work (i.e., working
beneficiaries) did not pay CPP contributions and, therefore, did not continue to build their
CPP pension. Under the existing rules, which began in 2012, taxpayers under age 65 who
work and receive a CPP retirement benefit must still make CPP contributions, which are
matched by their employers. Employed taxpayers between age 65 and age 70 can opt
to participate in the CPP to continue to build their pension, which would require their
employers to contribute as well.
These changes, as well as a number of other proposed changes, will not affect
beneficiaries receiving CPP retirement benefits before January 1, 2011 that also stay out of
the work force.
2011
2012
2013
Retirement benefits
2,3
$ 960
$ 986
$ 1,013
Disability benefits
4
1,153
1,186
1,213
Survivor benefits
5
:
Under age 65
Over age 64
529
576
544
592
557
608
Lump-sum death benefit
6
(max)
2,500
2,500
2,500
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Current as of September 30, 2013